Youngstown Vindicator...
Enjoy Issue 2 while you can
Sat, October 8, 2011 

COLUMBUS - Are you tired yet of the public debate over state Issue 2? 

Have you grown weary of the commercials from both sides, touting the alleged benefits or alleged negative impacts of the controversial collective-bargaining law? 

Do you yearn for a kinder, gentler political environment, where different sections of the political spectrum come together to present their viewpoints and cheer for America, even when they lose? 

Take comfort, because the good people at the Ohio Republican Party have given us all something to look forward to in coming months: the start of the presidential campaign. 

Yes, I know, presidential campaigning has been ongoing since the last election, with GOP hopefuls jockeying for position over potential rivals. We should be grateful for that, given the millions of dollars politicians are pumping into the economy through their efforts to sway the public. 

GET READY FOR ONSLAUGHT 

But I’m talking about the real start of the presidential campaign, here in Ohio, the ultimate swing state, the place future world leaders must win, the very apex of freedom for the universe. 

The country is depending on us to pick which Republican candidate should face President Barack Obama. Thanks to the timing of Ohio’s primary, GOP candidates will have more reason to visit the state over the next five months. 

In the past, Ohio has been a winner-takes-all state — that is, the winner of the primary snagged all of the state’s Republican convention delegates. 

But the GOP has changed its rules this time around in an attempt to dissuade states from scheduling earlier primary dates. 

WINNER NO LONGER WILL TAKE ALL 

Because Ohio’s primary is set for March, that means Republican delegates will be doled out on a proportional basis. Which means candidates could lose the state as a whole but win a few congressional districts, taking convention delegates in the process. 

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine briefed Statehouse reporters on the changes last week. The details probably don’t matter to most everyday Ohioans, but the changes likely will mean increased campaigning within the state by Republican candidates. 

“I think it will generate a lot more interest by presidential candidates who may not feel that they can compete on the overall vote but they can compete congressional district by congressional district,” DeWine said. 

So there you have it. Starting sometime later this month through early March, Ohio may be swamped with visits by politicians wanting your votes in the primary. 

I’m sure their rhetoric will surpass anything being pushed by the pro- or anti-Senate Bill 5 crowds in advance of next month’s general election. 

Or maybe we should enjoy the Issue 2 vitriol while it lasts. 

Read it at the Youngstown Vindicator